Christmas with the Callaways

This post is only 2 months late, oops! I thought that I posted it back on New Years!

Even though we have an extremely hectic life we still have found some time to squeeze in some fun this holiday season. It’s not always ideal and there may be fights, kicking, hitting and throwing of iPads (note… by the kids not me LOL).

I am so thankful that we had Owen, for a variety of reason. One of the perks of having another boy is that we were able to experience the live experience of Thomas the Tank Engine. I really did miss going to Strasburg, PA to see Thomas. It’s always a wonderful day, we have been there so many times and each time has been a great experience for the boys. This year was Owen’s first time. He loved it. And the older boys had an awesome time as well. I think that they forgot how much that they really enjoyed riding the train, and the gift shop. Of course, they loved the gift shop. The kids haven’t played with the trains since they discovered the iPad but this year they HAD to buy stuff. Of course, we gave in.

We also had a great day picking out our tree. The first few years we used an artificial tree but I really wanted the tradition of going to a tree farm and chopping down a tree. I love it. Joey may disagree since he has to do the dirty work.

After decorating the house for Christmas, we had a wonderful night celebrating with Ben and the second grade class during their Snowflake Spectacular. They did an awesome job singing holiday songs!

One night, my friend Wendi and I took the kids over to Shadybrook Farms in PA to see their awesome Christmas lights display! Considering that we have 5 WILD and CRAZY kids in the car they did behave pretty well. Wendi and I came prepared. She brought presents and treats and I had a scavenger hunt for light displays. It was an awesome night.

In the midst of it all I had my 20th High School Reunion. The St. Mark’s Class off 1995 ROCKS! An awesome night with great friends! It really was a wonderful night.

Finally, on the 24th we had time to go and visit with the best Santa Claus in the world. He is so sweet and kind and caring. We have been to him every year for the past 7 years (even though I have a year or two without pictures)

The kids had a wonderful Christmas. We got to spend time with our families and it was great. Despite some minor fights, they did have a great holiday. I just love seeing the smiles on their faces on Christmas morning. Worth all of the stress and hassle.

New Year’s Eve

The only one who could hang with me until midnight!!!!

I hope that everyone had a nice and safe Christmas and New Years {and now a happy Groundhogs Day, Valentine’s Day, President’s Day and all of the other holidays that have passed since I originally typed out this email}!

Oh and Ben also celebrated his 8th Birthday recently… I will try and get a post up about that one shortly {hopefully before we hit Memorial Day}. I also have some posts coming on our blizzard, Cub Scouts Pinewood Derby Day, and a few other small ones coming soon. So keep on reading and check in often. I am trying to get all caught up!